In the 1970s, John Kongsgaard and his wife Maggie decided to give up their youthful aspirations of a future as classical musicians to follow in the footsteps of five generations of Napa Valley business . They cleared land on top of a mountain in Coombsville, near downtown Napa, where their grandfather had been a rock quarrier and seller, and planted white grapes. André Cherichev advised him that "from this rocky, unobstructed hilltop, with strong winds blowing through it, you can make something absolutely unique.

The vineyard was named "The Judge Vineyard" in honor of his father, a judge, from whom legendary wines were produced.

Score : 96/100

75cl